Introduction to Buddhism

Introduction to Buddhism a 16-week cycle of teachings on introductory and foundational Buddhist topics.

The introductory courses in the Nalandabodhi Path of Study explore the basic principles of Buddhism and lay the foundation for deeper studies, including being introduced to the views of different Buddhist schools.

All are welcome! These classes may be attended as a course or on a drop-in basis. Discussions led by Mitra teachers and senior students. The courses are free; donations are accepted.

“We’re cultivating our intelligence as opposed to expanding or upgrading its contents. It’s like brightening a room by putting a higher-watt lightbulb in a lamp. Suddenly we can see everything in the room much more clearly.”
— Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche

The series is the pre-requisite for the Hinayana and Mahayana curricula.

Meditation instruction begins at 7 PM before each teaching.

The Life of the Buddha and the Spiritual Journey (INT 101)
4 Wednesdays: October 19, 26 and November 2, 9, 2016

October 19: “The Buddha was not a Buddhist”, part 1
October 26: “The Buddha was not a Buddhist”, part 2
November 2: “The World of Suffering and the Human Condition”
November 9: “Taming the Monkey Mind”

Traveling from Confusion to Original Sanity (INT 102)
4 Wednesdays: November 16, 30 and December 7, 2016

November 16: “The Path is the Goal”
November 23: “The Play of Confusion and Sanity” (aka “The Four Truths”)
November 30: “Trips of Confusion: Working with Emotions I”
December 7: “Trips of Confusion: Working with Emotions II”

December 14: “The Four Seals of the Buddha’s Teaching I” – Impermanence, Suffering
December 21: “The Four Seals of the Buddha’s Teaching II” – No self, Freedom<No session on Dec 28th>
January 4: “The Four Reminders”
January 11: “The Spiritual Friend: Connecting with Buddha’s Heart”

The Four Foundations of Mindfulness (INT 104)UPDATE: 4 Wednesdays: February 22, and March 1,8, 15, 2017

February 22: “The Practice of Fourfold Mindfulness and the Mindfulness of Body”
March 1: “The Mindfulness of Feelings”
March 8: “The Mindfulness of Mind”
March 15: “The Mindfulness of Phenomena”

The accompanying sourcebooks by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche are available for purchase at the Nalanda Store. It is recommended that the class readings be done prior to each class. The bookstore is generally open Wednesdays 6:15—7:00 PM, Sundays 12:00—1:00 PM, and some weekday evenings. Please check the online calendar.